Los Amigos

There’s just one deck worth cutting a powder day short so you can get a front-row seat to the “slide for life.” Grab a patch of sun on Los’s deck, order a pitcher of margs and a plate of fish tacos, and watch the uninitiated take one tentative turn at the top of Pepi’s Face—the steep final drop into the village—and slide the rest of the way on their backs. Even Picabo Street had problems on Pepi’s, blowing out a knee during a World Cup race. Go early—the deck and restaurant are often packed—and enjoy the show.

Los Amigos has less than impressive Mexican-American food. The constant crowds are annoying, the prices are a little outrageous, and there always seems to be screaming children in the booth next door. But the margaritas. Oh, the margaritas. They make it all worth it. Ski right up to the back deck for one of the best happy hours in town. Free chips and strong drinks are what make this place great. The service is quick except around four o’clock when the lifts close and the place fills up. The 20-something crowd clunk around in ski boots and steeze at the bar near the front of the restaurant, while families fill the rest. For dinner, make sure to make a reservation, especially during high season. Try to get a table at the back of the restaurant by the huge windows overlooking the fountain for some great people watching while you munch on guacamole.